Eliminating Christianity In The Market Eliminating competitors unavoidably means eliminating Christianity from market environment. Competitors are got rid of by driving them out of business before one's own organisation is driven out. And that is major principle involved in long term survival. Historically it has frequently involved illegal means, but in any case it involves taking every advantage and using every possible means to outreach and eliminate competitors.

In The Wealth Of Nation published in 1776 at a very early stage in development of market capitalism, Adam Smith, who coined phrase about iron hand of market, pointed to essential characteristic of any market: that it works on principle of selfishness. Markets deliver goods only when participants operate in their own self interest.

So basic principle of market capitalism is diametrically opposed to fundamental teachings of Jesus. He taught a number of principles which are damming to market system. One could quote many scriptures from New Testament, but a major one comes in Luke 6. 27 - 36. To quote only verse 31: Do to other people what you would have them do to you. Space will not permit further quotations. This whole question at length is discussed at length in my book The Path To Freedom. But this passage is sufficient and is supported by many other teachings of Jesus.

And we do not have to be capital-owning entrepreneurs to be a culpable part of this system..Even those of us at work are in a market: a labour or jobs market, in which we all participate. And we get on primarily at expense of others. We often do to others what we would certainly not want them to do to us.

The Consequences? Anyone who reflects on extensive non-Christian aspects of markets must reach conclusion that it is a system incompatible with basic principles of Christianity. It even grabs Christian feast days for itself. Just consider commercialisation of Christmas and Easter. In many respects, one would have to conclude that its principles are satanic - but we have all be bought by system!

Markets do deliver goods. More goods and vastly greater standard of living than ordinary people could ever have expected or dreamed of. But there has been a price. A spiritually horrendous price. It is expressed primarily in way we treat others.

So what are personal consequences and implications for Christian?

3. Lack Of Faith In The Pray-er This is a problem almost always specific to lay people. It is perhaps of more concern in some denominations than in others. The problem is that some people can believe that God will heal, but through you ...? A minister, perhaps, but a lay person ...?

More often than not, this is a problem with people who have limited experience of healing ministry. Be patient with them. As your reputation grows, problem will go away. In meantime try giving some witness to way God has used you in past to bring healing to people. Yes, there is a possibility of you sounding "big-headed", but that is a risk you have to take. Take it gentle, trying to bring such witnessing in almost casually, perhaps to illustrate a point or principle.

4. Unforgiveness This is probably best known cause for nonhealing occuring. Probably because it is at least one of most frequently encountered! Surprisingly, it is also one of most easy causes to deal with. Why?

People usually have a great instinct for self interest. If person has some area of unforgiveness and are reluctant to forgive those who offended them, quote some such scripture as Matthew 6. 14, 15 to effect that: if you will forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you will not forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.

This usually works with considerable effect. That is partly because many people are are simply not aware of conditions for receiving forgiveness. That kind of ignorance is one of reasons why healing and teaching are complementary spiritual gifts.